The three stages of regional policy and the characteristics of its economic development since the founding of the people's Republic of China

Abstract

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, regional policy and economic development have undergone significant transformations. This evolution can be divided into three main stages: the initial period of centralized planning and industrialization, the reform and opening-up era with a focus on eastern coastal development, and the recent phase emphasizing regional coordinated development (figure 1). Each stage reflects shifts in policy priorities and economic strategies, impacting regional disparities and overall national development.